Structural Engineering

Structural work follows loads through a building, from the roof and floors to the foundation. The scope may involve a new structure, a proposed alteration or an existing condition that needs investigation.

An engineer may be needed when you change a supporting element, add weight or need an assessment of damage or movement.

Confirm the engineering scope with the professional you engage and any permit requirements with the local building department.

Topics that may be relevant to the review: CMU, beam, block wall, column, concrete and footing.

The engineer can review existing conditions, evaluate the proposed changes and prepare the calculations or design details included in the agreed scope.

• Designing the supports for an addition
• Assessing a proposed change to an existing building

These documents may be relevant to the work. Agree on the deliverables with your engineer and confirm any submission requirements with the reviewing authority.

• structural plans

Related permit topics include phased construction.

This page does not say whether a permit is required. Ask the local building department which approvals and documents your project needs.

• SFR
• accessory dwelling unit
• apartment
• apartment building
• apartment complex

Start with a short description. These details can help define the scope, but you do not need everything ready to request a quote.

• The project city or county, and the property address if known
• What you want to build, change or repair
• How the space or site is used now and what you plan to change
• Whether you have drawings or photos to share during follow-up
• The status of any permit application and comments received
• Your target dates or other scheduling constraints

• Permit Plans
• Engineering Plans
• Structural Repair
• Residential Additions
• Residential Remodel Engineering
• Load-Bearing Wall Removal

Terms that may appear in plans, permit comments or contractor conversations about this work.

• phased construction
• SFR
• accessory dwelling unit
• apartment
• apartment building
• apartment complex
• condo unit
• condominium
• duplex
• multifamily
• senior housing
• single-family
• single-family residence
• student housing
• townhome
• townhouse
• CMU
• beam
• block wall
• column
• concrete
• footing
• foundation
• joist